By Carl Holcomb
Moorefield Examiner
The energy in Baker was dynamic as East Hardy Middle School 8th grade Volleyball team edged Capon Bridge Middle School 25-22 and 25-23 to claim the Potomac Valley League Championship and the good vibes continued in Franklin as Moorefield Middle School 7th grade Volleyball squad claimed the PVL crown 25-21 and 25-22 over Warm Springs Middle School catapulting Hardy County into a complete reign overall.
For the Cougars (13-1), this was the first team under coach Kathy Strawderman to win both PVL Volleyball titles as 7th graders and 8th graders.
The Cougars had solid serving with aces throughout the championship by Harper Kline, Hannah Tinnell, Delanie Wolfe, Myla Gordon and Hannah Riggle.
There was great hustle on the court which included digs and saves by Gordon and Georgia Hahn.
Madi Heishman, Aleah Cook, Savannah Taylor and Nellee Sevilla contributed to the team’s success with good passing.
Capon Bridge’s Zanna Chaney, Berkeley Cook and Lakelyn Kinser notched aces during the PVL championship.
EHMS players were ecstatic jumping up on the court after the final championship match point was made.
“It’s awesome. This is the first group that I’ve coached who have been able to win 7th and 8th grade with that same group. It was kind of nice and extra special. Capon Bridge is a really good team and we knew all the games tonight were going to be good games. We knew Capon Bridge was going to come ready to play and they did. Fortunately, we have been able to come back being down all year. Something helped us to where we never gave up. We work on more than stuff on the court and it helped us get through the season and tonight. We kind of figured it out. We had our rough road, but that’s okay. That’s what you have.
This was a bittersweet championship for the undefeated Yellow Jackets (14-0) as coach Chessie Alleshouse retires on a high note celebrating with her 7th graders.
MMS players leapt for joy and coach Alleshouse threw her clipboard down for the final time with the last mission accomplished.
“I am extremely proud of this group. They had an undefeated season and it came from hard work and determination. This was my last season coaching and I can truly say that all 20 of my players have made it one of the best seasons yet,” Moorefield Middle School Volleyball coach Chessie Alleshouse noted.
Hardy County Volleyball’s future is bright and will be for years to come with the foundation formed with these champions.
